Dubai is the quintessential home of sand, sun and shopping. A century ago, it was a peaceful town where Bedouin traders and pearl divers lodged in coral-and-gypsum huts. The story of Dubai reads like a rags-to-riches tale, and indeed, it is hard to imagine a place elsewhere in the world that has developed at such a pace, in such a short time, for so many different people.

Music and dance are inextricably linked in the traditional Arab world, and each musical instrument plays for a specific style of dance. The Ayyala, an ancient dance form that emulates battle, is one of the more fascinating forms of Arabic dance practiced in the UAE.

If we delve into the ancient history of this area the archaeological finds suggest that humans have been living here since at least 3000 BC. Excavations at Jumeirah, south of Dubai, recently discovered a 6th-century caravan station, proving that the area's population was keeping the trade routes alive during this period.

UAE, as one of the most rapidly developing country in the world, exhibits an amazingly perfect blend of traditionalism and modernism. All UAE nationals continue to wear their traditional costume which indeed is a symbol of national pride and identity.

The dynamic women of United Arab Emirates have played a very important role in the development of the country. Since the nomadic days, the women of UAE took an active part in everyday activities. Women today are the cornerstone of national development.